About Tara Tarini Temple
Tara Tarini Temple is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to the goddesses Tara and Tarini, who are considered to be the manifestations of Adi Shakti, the supreme mother goddess. The temple is located on the Kumari hills, near the Rushikulya River, in the Ganjam district of Odisha, India.
The temple is one of the oldest and most revered Shakti Peethas in India, where the divine mother goddess is worshiped in various forms. The temple is also associated with the Buddhist goddess Tara, who is believed to have originated from this shrine. The temple attracts millions of devotees every year, especially during the Chaitra Mela/Chaitra Parva/Chaitra Yatra festival, which is held in the month of Chaitra (March-April) and lasts for 21 days. During this festival, devotees offer their hair as a mark of devotion to the goddesses.
If you are looking for a spiritual and scenic destination in Odisha, you should not miss the Tara Tarini Temple. This temple is one of the oldest and most revered Shakti Peethas in India, where the divine mother goddess is worshiped as Tara and Tarini.
The temple is located on the Kumari hills, overlooking the Rushikulya river, near Purushottampur in Ganjam district. Know about this temple, its history, darshan timings, festivals, and how to enjoy the ropeway ride that offers a breathtaking view of the surroundings.
History of Tara Tarini Temple
- The Tara Tarini Temple has a rich and ancient history that dates back to the Satya Yuga. The legend, the temple is the site where the breasts of Sati Devi fell when Lord Shiva carried her corpse after she immolated herself.
- The temple is also associated with the Buddhist goddess Tara, who is believed to have originated from this shrine. The temple was patronized by various dynasties of Odisha, such as the Kalinga Emperors, the Bhauma-Karas, the Somavamsis, the Gangas, and the Suryavamsis.
- The temple was renovated by Basupraharaj in the 17th century and by the Tara Tarini Development Board in recent times. The temple has two inscriptions at the foothill that record its history and donations.
Darshan Timings and Festivals of Tara Tarini Temple
- The Tara Tarini Temple is open for darshan from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM every day.
- The temple offers various seva puja services to the devotees, such as Nitya Bhog, Mahaprasad, Abhishekam, Alankar Seva, Chandi Patha, etc.
- The temple also provides accommodation facilities for pilgrims who wish to stay overnight. The temple celebrates various festivals throughout the year, such as Chaitra Mela/Chaitra Parva/Chaitra Yatra, Holi, Dusshera, Navaratri, Dipawali, Sankranti, etc.
- The most important festival is the Chaitra Mela/Chaitra Parva/Chaitra Yatra, which is held in the month of Chaitra (March-April) and lasts for 21 days. During this festival, lakhs of devotees visit the temple and offer their hair as a mark of devotion to the goddesses.
Enjoy the Ropeway Ride at Tara Tarini Temple
One of the most exciting attractions of Tara Tarini Temple is the ropeway ride that connects the foothill to the hilltop. The ropeway was inaugurated in 2017 and has a capacity of carrying 600 passengers per hour. The ropeway ride offers a panoramic view of the Rushikulya River valley and the greenery of the Kumari hills. The ropeway ride costs Rs. 60 per person for a round trip and operates from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day.
Where is Tara Tarini Temple located?
Tara Tarini Temple is located atop a hill in Kumari hills, near the town of Berhampur in Ganjam district of Odisha, India.
What is the main deity of Tara Tarini Temple?
The main deities of Tara Tarini Temple are Goddess Tara and Goddess Tarini, representing the divine feminine energy.
What is the significance of Tara Tarini Temple?
Tara Tarini Temple is one of the prominent Shakti Peethas, where body parts of Goddess Sati are believed to have fallen. It holds great spiritual importance for devotees.
What’s the best time to visit Tara Tarini Temple?
The months of October to February are considered the best time to visit Tara Tarini Temple due to the pleasant weather and festive atmosphere.
Tara Tarini Temple is a must-visit place for anyone who wants to experience the divine grace of Adi Shakti and witness the natural beauty of Odisha.
